What Bible Verse Says Run The Race
One of the best-known run the race verses is found in Hebrews 12:1-2.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God .
However, Hebrews 12:1 isnt the only run the race verse in Scripture. Although the author of Hebrews is uncertain, Paul seems to love the analogy. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul refers to only one runner in a race getting the prize. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul presses on toward the prize. In Galatians 5:7, Paul chastises believers who once ran well but no longer follow the truth. In 2 Timothy 4:7, an older Paul, nearing his personal races end, talks about finishing it.
Our English word agony derives from the Greek agon, translated in Hebrews 12 as race. A race, in its full sense, embodies conflict, fight, and contention. The same root word describes various struggles throughout many of Pauls books.
Why Did Paul Use Running As A Metaphor
The main reason why Bible writers use metaphors is to connect with people. They have the best messages the world can ever receive, but it would be useless if people are not able to understand them. The Olympics was highly and widely celebrated in Rome during those times. Sports was the hot topic. Everyone makes sure that they are updated.
Paul saw the opportunity to use sports and more specifically, a marathon, to explain to believers what they should expect in this race. He then compared every aspect of the race to the life of believers.
Acts : 24 Run Your Race In Obedience
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
~ Acts 20:24
Paul is talking about his long-time friends in the church at Corinth who had just heard that Paul was planning to visit them. This passage in Acts is significant because it shows us what our Lord thinks of us. If we truly love Him, then we will obey His commands.
In this passage, Paul tells them something very encouraging: He has always been faithful to God. He hasnt been careless at all times in his life! What a great testimony for us all.
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Proverbs : 25 Focusing On Your Race
Let your eyes look straight ahead fix your gaze directly before you.
~ Proverbs 4:25
This scripture states that we must focus on Jesus to complete our race. So you concentrate just on that one objective. But, then, you take one more glimpse at the finish line before the gun fires.
Fixing our gaze on Jesus, the founder, and perfecter of faith, who, for the joy set before Him, suffered the cross while shunning shame and has ascended to the right hand of the throne of God.
What Is Needed To Run The Race For Jesus
In 1 Corinthians 9:26, Paul says were not to run aimlessly or box as one beating the air. Like a physical race, the spiritual one also requires diligence, training, and self-denial. If we observed the regimen of a long-distance runner, we would notice specific choices they make to prepare and run the race. These choices mirror our race as well:
Runners eat clean. Remember the saying you are what you eat? Its true both physically and spiritually. Jeremiah 15:16 says, When your words came, I ate them they were my joy and my hearts delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty. Clean eating, or eating foods in their natural state, help our physical bodies to operate at a more efficient level. When we meditate or chew on Scripture, we spiritually digest it, just as we digest the food we eat. The pure Word of God meshes with everything we think and do, radically aiding our ability to run the race before us. When we eat clean, our focus remains sharp, keeping us alert to the enemys schemes.
Runners pace themselves. The Christian race is a marathon, not a sprint, meaning that consistency, not the speed at which we run, is the key. Weve all known those who wear themselves out only to burn out. Theyre sitting on the sidelines, and if they remain and dont finish the race, they wont forfeit heaven, but they will forfeit the rewards that await. We do serve God, but He cares more about who we are becoming than what we are doing.
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Looking Onward And Upward To Jesus
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside Gods throne.
Yes, its great to glance at that crowd of witnesses that can inspire us to keep going on our race. We need to strip away the things that are weighing us down. But if were going to run our race, we have to keep our gaze focused on Jesus. Going back to the Apostle Paul in Philippians, he talks about looking forward to what lies ahead. His gaze was onward, looking at what was ahead of him, and our eyes needed to be both onward and upward. What is pulling us is the prize of the calling of God.
Through the eyes of faith, we must see Jesus and the crown of life that is in store for us when we come across the finish line in heaven. And as we keep our eyes on Jesus, we realize that Hes our champion. Hes there right beside us, helping us perfect our faith and making us more like him as we keep running our race. Hes giving us the strength we need to keep going. All we have to do is keep our eyes on Jesus and run our race.
Throwing Off The Sin That Entangles Us
If were to keep chugging along on the right path, we cant do so if were constantly tripping up. The writer of Hebrews describes it this way:
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
In the sporting events of the ancient world, competitors usually ran in a much more natural way than athletes do today. Long before the days of special sprinting attire, the clothes of the time either had to be tied up away from the legs or taken off before running. Otherwise, the runner would get tangled up and fall on his face.
Our Christian race isnt much different. We cant run very well if were bound up in the snares of sinful living. Those things that seem so satisfying in the moment can take our eyes off the prize , and instead, keep us fixated on temporary thrills. But were called to a much better path:
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live
Life works best when we follow Gods Word and obey His commands in the Bible. He didnt give us those commands to trap us, but to free us to run our race with endurance. When we do so, our true goal comes into view.
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God Disciplines His Children
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
My son, do not make light of the Lords discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.
7 Endure hardship as discipline God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?8 If you are not disciplinedand everyone undergoes disciplinethen you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.13 Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Hebrews 1: 2 Faith In Christ
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
~ Hebrews 12:2
It will take a lot of endurance, tenacity, patience, and resolve to win this marathon. Victory requires that we continue running with unwavering determination and perseverance until we cross the finish line triumphantly.
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Acts : 24 Finishing Your Race Well
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given methe task of testifying to the good news of Gods grace.
~ Acts 20:24
If we keep our gaze fixed on Jesus, who founded and established our faith, we may complete the race that lies before us.
We strive after His life, and we move on in His might. We wont race with Jesus in mind if we are preoccupied with the obstacles in front of us, the weight of our sin, or the other runners. He is the one who will lead us home He is our target.
Motivational Verses That Have Helped Me When Exercising
23. 2 Samuel 22:33-34It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer he causes me to stand on the heights.
24. Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
25. Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run, and not be weary and they shall walk, and not faint.
26. Romans 12:1 12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Godthis is your true and proper worship.
27. Proverbs 31:17 She wraps herself in strength, might, and power in all her works.
28. Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
29. Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
30. Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
31. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32. Psalm 118:6 The LORD is on my side I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
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What Does It Mean To Run The Race According To Paul
The race that the Apostle Paul is talking about is our journey of faith. We all run the race of life. The question is, which team are we running for? With endurance, the race can be won. God called us and made us holy. But it does not end there. God equipped us and empowered us to enable us to win the prize. Life is not always simple nor is it always easy, but God is there for us. He is running with us.
Inspiring Bible Verses About Running The Race
May 6, 2022
Running the race Bible verse is a good reminder of the importance of endurance and perseverance. It keeps us motivated to run for the prize of heaven and rewards like the crown of life.
Running a marathon is not a joke. It does not start with the race itself but with the training, discipline, and preparation. Apostle Paul is very creative at coming up with metaphors that describe our faith and our Christian life. This time Apostle Paul used the race to explain our journey of faith better.
The phrase running the race appears in several verses in the Bible. What does it mean and what does it teach us?
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Going All Out For Christian Maturity
Although Christians are called to be like Christ, we continue to make mistakes. We have not “arrived” yet. We fail. In fact, we’ll never obtain complete sanctification until we stand before the Lord. But, God uses our imperfections to help us “grow up” in faith.
We have a problem to deal with called “the flesh.” Our flesh pulls us toward sin and away from the prize of the upward call. Our flesh keeps us painfully aware of our need to diligently press on toward the goal.
For this reason, Paul exerted an all-out, single-minded effort to obtain Christian maturity. He recognized his own shortfall. Paul also called the Philippians and all future Bible readers to diligently strive with every spiritual muscle to pursue forward momentum in their Christian lives.
Remember Were Not Alone A Cloud Of Witnesses Surrounds Us
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith
First, remember that were not alone in our race. When motorcycle racers head out onto the dirt or asphalt tracks to race, they usually do so in places that are filled with hundreds or thousands of spectators. And believe it or not, the spectators often have an impact on the racers as theyre racing. When one racer goes to pass the leader taking over first place, the whole crowd cheers, and that cheering is often loud enough that a racer can hear it over his motorcycle engine and through his helmet, giving him that extra surge of adrenaline. In other cases, the cheering crowd lets the leader know that someone is coming behind him, and he better pick up the pace if he wants to keep his spot in the lead. Either way, that crowd of witnesses has its own impact on the race.
In our Christian race, we have to remember that were not the only ones who have been on this track towards heaven. Others have run the race before us. Spiritual ancestors like Abraham, Noah, Moses, David, Rahab, Ruth, Mary, and others have answered the call of God, headed out on the race, and gone across the finish line to receive their prize before us.
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How Does The Cloud Of Witnesses Help Us Run The Race
Hebrews 12 gets our attention with Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. The introductory word, therefore, begs us to go back and see what it is therefore. What is this great cloud of witnesses to which the author refers?
The previous chapter, Hebrews 11, often referred to as the faith chapter, recounts the names of those who had already run the race and finished well. We read lists of Biblical characters who held to their trust in God and His promises despite difficulties. These faithful souls did not give up nor quit, regardless of whatever agony came their way. They completed their racefor some, at the cost of martyrdom.
The author likens those godly examples and testimonies to a faithful cloud of witnesses. We find ourselves surrounded by their stories. The knowledge of others faithful in their race, trusting God and His promises to the finish, encourages us.
Matthew 2: 13 Enduring The Race Unto The End
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
~ Matthew 24:13
As children of God, we are expected to endure and exercise patience while running a godly race because trials, temptation, setbacks, and discouragements will want to go way down. Still, the Bible says we should endure till the very end.
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A Prayer To Run The Race Well
Cathy Baker is the author of Pauses for the Vacationing Soul: A Sensory-Based Devotional Guide for the Beach and Pauses for the Vacationing Soul: A Sensory-Based Devotional Guide for the Mountains. She writes from a tiny studio lovingly known as The Tiny House on the Hill in the Foothills of SC. As an author, Hope Writer, and Bible teacher for over twenty-five years, she encourages women to pause and embrace the seemingly small, mundane moments of their day for Gods glory. She invites you to join her in the tiny house where youre always welcome to come in and take a seat.
This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. We want to provide easy to read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of specific verses within Scripture’s context. It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God’s Word in relation to your life today.